GARETH VAN ONSELEN: How the ANC has killed SA’s imagination
False moral equivalence allows the weak and superficial to maintain the pretence that the ANC and DA occupy the same position on the moral spectrum
When it comes to politics, one hidden rule tends to dominate South African debate, to the extent that it is almost hegemonic in the depth and breadth of its hold over public analysis: false moral equivalence. It manifests primarily with regard to any comparison between the ANC and DA. In generic terms, the line is this: “Yes, the ANC has problems, but the DA has problems too — and thus, a pox on both their houses”. Either that, or: “Given both parties are morally flawed, best to support the ANC purely for pragmatic reasons — it is bigger, mostly likely to win and so, while compromised, best to invest in its potential reformation.” But it hasn’t always been like this. The phenomenon that was Jacob Zuma’s ruinous tenure makes the point. He was swept to power with a super-majority. In his wake he consolidated the alliance behind him, rode a tidal wave of popular sentiment and, as a result, his grip on the ANC and the national administration bordered on absolute. However, although the c...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.